CodesOn the Interpretation of Visual/Cultural

codes

Aims & Objectives• Lesson Aim:

o To define the system of Codes & Conventionso To apply this system to a number of images and movie trailers to

reinforce understanding.

• Lesson Objective:o To ask a number of questions about visual symbols o To create a table of visual, audio & technical codes

Codes & Conventions• The system we use for ‘reading’ the media is a

combination of CODES and CONVENTIONS.

• A CODE is a visual, audio or technical element that an audience has learnt to imply meaning.

• Conventions are recurring elements that group together to make a GENRE.

A useful metaphor?

• Codes are like words in a language

• Conventions tell the audience what language is being spoken

Codes

• All codes have a denotation and a connotation.

• The denotation is the literal meaning of a code

• The connotation is a symbolic meaning of a code

Interpreting Visual Codes

• Facial Expressions• Body Language• Physical Appearance &

Clothing• Props• Location• Colours• Graphics• Famous Stars / characters

All of these visual codes are unconsciously ‘read’ by

audiences who then use them to understand things like

genre and narrative

An Example

Another Example

Technical / Audio Codes

• Camera Angles• Camera Movement• Mode Of Address• Lighting• Editing techniques• Special Effects / CGI

• Music• Accents• Sound Effects• Voiceover• Diegetic / Non-

diegetic sounds

Examples

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UMMGNxg1Lg

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu6IWnN-XKo